WHAT LENS FOR STUDIO STILL LIFE TABLE TOP PHOTOGRAPHY

[merv]

Whats the best lens for studio still life table top photography?:bang::bonk:

[redhed17]

I macro lens of some sort, but specifics would depend on what camera/manufacturer you have. :shrug:

[chris321]

STOP SHOUTING! :D ;)

It depends on what you're going to be shooting really. If it's fairly small things, you should probably be looking at a dedicated macro lens. What camera are you using? And don't forget you'll need a flash as well probably, and a small softbox will make the lighting (and hence the product) look more appealing!

Chris

Edit: Sorry, for some reason I read the title as 'Product photography', which is why my reply sounds a bit odd! Could you please give an example of what you're referring to by "still life table top photography"?

[merv]

Using a nIkon D40 to photograph articles such as vases etc, the sort of things you would find in a national trust property which is where I will be working. i am using Interfit E150 flash kit. I have a 60mm nikon micro - would this be too short or is a 105mm more suitable. D40 needs lens with its own motor

[HoppyUK]

I use a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro for table-top on a crop body. I find the focal length pretty much perfect and it is extremely sharp, and distortion free.

This lens is too short for macro though :lol:

[chris321]

Hmm, how big are these vases likely to be? If they're large, then you'll want a shorter focal length. A 105mm lens and you'll have to be a loooong way away from a large subject. How much room are you going to have to work with do you think?

Chris

[cowasaki]

I wouldn't worry too much about AFS. Most macro photography is with manual focus anyway. I have a 105mm and this is really very good for the type of items you are describing.

[StewartR]

If you want the best lens for this subject, for a Nikon user it's got to be the Nikon PC-E 85mm f/2.8 D ED. It's a useful focal length for still life, it can give you a near-macro 1:2 reproduction ratio if you need it, and the tilt-shift mechanism gives you unbelievable control over the perspective and depth of field.

[HoppyUK]

If you want the best lens for this subject, for a Nikon user it's got to be the Nikon PC-E 85mm f/2.8 D ED. It's a useful focal length for still life, it can give you a near-macro 1:2 reproduction ratio if you need it, and the tilt-shift mechanism gives you unbelievable control over the perspective and depth of field.

Ooo yes :) That would be fab. Scheimpflug city here we come. Perhaps with a 5D2 to go with it :love: